The Masque Theatre, Muizenberg celebrates its 60th birthday on 9th January 2019 and to celebrate this landmark occasion the theatre is mounting the wonderful comedy “A Bunch of Amateurs”. This exceptionally funny comedy about a dedicated amateur society is a fitting accolade to Bertie Stern, the benefactor of The Masque Theatre, as his passion led to him leaving the theatre to the Cape amateur community when he passed away. This production will be staged at The Masque Theatre, Muizenberg between 9th and 26th January 2019.

Rehearsals will be held in a central location and will begin late September/early October and are planned to minimise cast involvement in unnecessary rehearsals, and will take into consideration the end of year vacation period.

The storyline revolves around a fading Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steele, who, keen to boost his flagging career, arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford – only to find that this is not the birthplace of the Bard, but a sleepy Suffolk village. And instead of Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench, the cast are a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre from developers. Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity are tested to the limit by the enthusiastic am-dram thespians. As acting worlds collide and Jefferson’s career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself – along with his inner Lear!

Characters:Jefferson Steele: a fading Hollywood star who is arrogant, insecure, brash, gauche, demanding, vulnerable and ultimately aware of his own absurdity. + 55 yearsDorothy Nettle: director of the Stratford Players and the moving force behind keeping the theatre alive. Her sweet and accommodating manner conceals her inner steel. +40 yearsJessica Steele: Jefferson’s teenage daughter, who has been neglected by her Hollywood father and now wants to make him pay for it.Nigel Dewbury: solicitor and leading light of the Stratford Players. Pompous, stuck up and self regarding, he believes he is the star of the show and should play all the leading roles. He also fancies his chances with Dorothy! +40 yearsMary Plunkett: owner of the Rectory bed and breakfast. Jolly, generous and an unashamedly adoring Jefferson Steele fan – although somewhat confused about which roles he played in his films, and how keen he is on her.Denis Dobbins: handyman and village “Mr Fixit”. Avuncular, though slightly dull, Denis is star-struck by Jefferson and fancies heading up his entourage of one.Lauren Bell: thirty something marketing executive former physiotherapist and the sponsor’s wife. Passionate about the arts and smarter than her husband allows her to be, she’s treated as a bimbo because of her looks.Accents: Jefferson and Jessica: American. All other characters must have good English accents.